Pertussis (whooping cough)

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through the air in droplets produced during coughing or sneezing.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but it can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.

The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Are you up-to-date? Act now to get vaccinated!

Alaska Surveillance Data

During 2018, 91 cases of pertussis were reported to SOE, yielding an incidence rate of 12.3 cases per 100,000 persons. The 2018 incidence rate of reported pertussis cases in Alaska was nearly three times the national average incidence rate of 4.1 cases per 100,000 persons.  A few other states reported rates higher than Alaska in 2018.

Reports of PErtussis by Year - Alaska 2014-2018 

Reports of Pertussis by Age Group - Alaska 2014-2018 

Resources for the General Public

Resources for Healthcare Providers

Pertussis is a public health reportable condition in Alaska. Reports must be made within 2 working days after being suspected or diagnosed. Please call the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000.

Webinars

Infectious Disease Program Resources

For Schools Child Care, and Camp Programs